The full schedule for England's group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been officially confirmed, setting the Three Lions on a path across three major US cities. The details were finalised during the second part of the tournament draw in Washington, DC.
Dallas Showdown Kicks Off Campaign
England will begin their tournament against Croatia on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The match is scheduled for a 9pm kick-off in the UK, which is 3pm local time in Texas. Managed by Thomas Tuchel, the side will benefit from the stadium's retractable roof and air conditioning, mitigating the potential heat of a late afternoon start.
Boston and New Jersey Await
The team's second Group L fixture sees them travel north to face Ghana on Tuesday, 23 June. This match will be held at the open-air Gillette Stadium near Boston, with a 4pm ET (9pm UK) start. The average daily high temperature in Boston during June is 26°C.
England will conclude their group phase against Panama on Friday, 27 June, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This game has a later 5pm ET (10pm UK) kick-off. Like the Boston venue, MetLife is an open-air stadium, where average June highs reach 27°C.
Prime Time for UK Fans
The scheduling provides a significant boost for supporters back home, with all three of England's group games set for evening viewing in the UK. This primetime placement ensures maximum accessibility for fans following the team's progress across the Atlantic.
The announcement solidifies the roadmap for England's bid in the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. All eyes will now be on the preparation as the countdown to the summer of 2026 begins.
